American, possibly Baltimore, circa 1850. Surrounding a central urn of stylized flowers is a grape and vine motif, very similar to ones found on Baltimore quilts, and an elaborate floral border. All worked in red, olive, indigo, and white wool on a wool ground. The artist has created a “painting” on fabric with imaginative designs and choice of colors. 91" x 84" mounted.

Signed and initialed: “From Life by J.F. Stephens, 1912, Savannah, Missouri.” Oil on academy board in original untouched condition and frames. Described in a scroll on the paintings are the names, weights, and owners of each animal. 22¼ x 28 inches the largest.

An Unusual Pair of Paint-Decorated and Stenciled Stools

American, probably Connecticut; cherry, circa 1825-40. Most unusual size and form with very stylish rolled edges to the tops and splay to the legs. 14¼" high, 14¼" wide, 11" deep.

An Exceptional Paint-Decorated Miniature Foot Stool

American, probably Pennsylvania; pine, circa 1840. A little gem decorated with fruit and flourishes in shades of red, green and yellow on black. Written in pencil on the underside is the name “Rohn.” 6" high, 12" wide, 7" deep.

A Hooked Rug Depicting a New England House Flanked by Stylized Trees

Found in Wilmot, New Hampshire, circa 1900. Most likely the rug maker was painting a portrait of their house using wool on burlap and hooked an imaginative border possibly imitating a picture frame. Height 34", width 80¾"

A Dynamic Painted and Decorated Boot and Shoemaker’s Trade Sign

Salem, Massachusetts: pine, circa 1880. Signed: “Manderbach.”

This boldly and imaginatively painted sign in its dry original untouched condition depicts the nature of Mr. F.J. Arnold’s business and the goods he offered for sale. The U.S. 1880’s census lists Frank J. Arnold (b. 1861) as “working in a shoe shop in Salem, Essex Massachusetts.” WD 54½", HT 19", DP 2".

A Group of Three Miniature Watercolor Portraits

New England, probably New Hampshire, circa 1840. Watercolor, ink and pencil on paper. Inscribed on verso, “Asa Brown, Aunt Amanda wife of Asa Brown and Aunt Betsy.” In addition to the delicately drawn faces, the artist took delight in painting costumes, hair, and details, as seen in the colorful and patterned neck scarf and hair bow and the jewelry and tortoiseshell hair combs. Originally found in a family album, now in a period gilt frame. 3½" x 2½" each; 10¾" x 9½" framed.

A Large Molded and Sheet Copper Rooster Weathervane

Found on a home in Manchester, New Hampshire. Sheet copper and cast zinc, circa 1880-1900. The beauty of the rooster’s sculptural form is enhanced by its untouched original weathered verdigris surface. Retains three bullet holes and one “farmer’s repair” at the top of its head. Height 30", width 24".

An Outstanding Collection of Velvet Fruits and Vegetables in a Grand Wire Compote

A thirty-three-piece collection of velvet fruits and vegetables in brilliant colors, rare forms, and beautiful condition. Included in the grouping is a rare ear of corn, three very large carrots, strawberries, melons, a tomato, a mushroom, and some rare miniatures. Height 16", width 18".

A Unique Painted Fan-Back Windsor Arm Chair

New York, circa 1770-1800. Mixed woods; oak, hickory, maple and poplar with 19th century black paint with yellow striping and decoration over original green. This rare and important braced-back armchair is a unique example of form displaying elements of chair-making found both in Philadelphia and New York. OH 43½ in., SH 17¼ in. Illustrated: “The Windsor Style in America, Vol. II” by Charles Santore, pg. 70, fig. 40

A Large Father Christmas Candy Container

Germany, circa 1890-1910. The Santa has a hand-painted face, hands, and boots, and is holding a feather sprig in one hand and hanging from his other arm is a basket with wrapped packages, ribbons, and bells. He is dressed in a pumpkin colored robe, a stuffed hat, and is standing on a mica-covered base. Missing is the fur on his beard and some of the wooly trim on his robe, but overall this Santa is in very good condition. Height 22".

An Appliqué Rug with a “Star-Studded Menagerie” of Animal Silhouettes

American, Shippensburg, Pa., circa 1880. Black wool cutout shapes embroidered and outlined in white stitches and all on a bright red wool background. Descended in the original family and said to have been made by Minnie Culbertson (1868-1953) of Shippensburg, Pa. This rug comes with a letter from the family and photos of Minnie Culbertson documenting her as the rug maker. 29" x 46" mounted. For a similar example see: American Hooked and Sewn Rugs: Folk Art Underfoot by Joel and Kate Kopp, p. 130, fig. 229. Exhibited: The Great Cover-up: American Rugs on Beds, Tables, and Floors, American Folk Art Museum, June 5-September 9, 2007.

A Monumental Slat Goose

Attributed to Joseph Whiting Lincoln (1859-1938), Accord (Hingham), Ma., circa 1910. Lincoln’s slat geese or “loomers” were used to attract the attention of high-flying flocks. While the horizontal slats formed a crude body, the head was skillfully carved, giving this decoy an almost majestic quality. Provenance: originally purchased from Joe Lincoln by Colburn C. Wood Jr., Plymouth, Ma. Length 36¼", height 21", depth 15".

A Charming Portrait of a Lovely Young Girl

Probable attribution to Thomas Ware (1803-1826) of Pomfret, Vermont. Oil on canvas, circa 1820-25. A paper label affixed to the back of the canvas identifies Harriet Newell Heyes (1816-1832) of Vershire, Vermont, as the sitter whose brother, Henry Wilder Keyes, was Governor and U.S. Senator of New Hampshire. Descended in the family of the sitter. 26¾" x 24¾" framed.

An old string tag around her wrist reads: "160 year old doll from Truro Cape Cod Massachusetts carved by a sea captain." She has a commanding pressence and is a powerful statement of American folk art. Height 13½ inches.

A Charming Pair of Portrait Miniatures of Ella and Elliott Baker, Springfield, Mass.

Attributed to James Sanford Ellsworth (1802-1873). Watercolor on embossed valentine envelopes, circa 1853. These wonderful portraits are superior examples of Ellsworth’s work and illustrate his use of vivid colors seen in the children’s dresses with yellow and black polka dots, the fanicful blue-green and yellow chairs, and the cloverleaf clouds that frame the sitters’ faces. Rarely seen are the children’s names stamped in blue ink under each portrait. 3-3/16" x 2" sight size each, 5¼" x 6¼" framed. Exhibited: The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, Oct. 13–Dec. 1, 1974. Illustrated: James S. Ellsworth, Portrait Painter by Lucy B. Mitchell, p. 53, figs. A5 and A6; Art in America, October 1954

A Warm and Charming Handmade Cloth Doll

American, probably New England, third quarter of the 19th century. LuLu’s painted bright blue eyes, big rosy cheeks, and expressive eyebrows bring a smile to your face. She has a slightly molded head and a plaque of brown velvet on the back of her head, simulating hair. Her costume and construction are all original. Height, 21 inches. Provenance: Patsy Orlofsky and Gretchen Sharp.

CLASSICAL IN MINIATURE An Exceptional Miniature Carved Classical Sofa

American, possibly Philadelphia, circa 1825-30. This graceful and delicate “little gem” is exquisitely carved in mahogany with pine as the secondary wood and retains its original fabric and tacks. Said to have descended in the family of Thomas Madden Adams (1836-1912) and retains an old label that reads “Parks M. Adams 1211 Stevenson Lane, Baltimore 4, Md.” Width 15¾" Height 7½" Depth 5¼"

“The Volunteer Firemen”

An exceptional pasteboard band box, New York, circa 1835. Its papers, “The Volunteer Fireman” and “The Castles in Spain,” depict the engine received in 1830 by the Eagle Engine Company #13 of New York and are in shades of browns, whites, and tans on a vibrant blue background. Pasted inside the cover is a trade card that reads: “Joseph L. Freeman at The Old Hat Stand of Joseph S. Tillinghast, Union Street, New Bedford.” 17¼" wide, 11¼" high, 131/8" deep.

An Exceptional Paint Decorated Tilt-top Candlestand

Pennsylvania; pine, circa 1840-50. Wonderfully shaped top decorated with an elaborate feather and circle design which tilts above a ring turned shaft ending in scrolled legs and all in reds, greens, and black on mustard yellow.

Signed and carved on all four sides of the staff: “Abram Cook, Maker, 1906, Canisteo” New York. Wood in untouched original surface. The carved, small objects move freely within the staff. This cane is an example of form and function that transcends into a strong expression of folk art in wood. Height 36".

An Extraordinary Pair of Full-length Miniature Portraits

Attributed to Justus Da Lee (1793-1878). Watercolor and pencil on paper, circa 1840. Inscribed on the reverse: “Lucia Caroline aged 2 years 6 months and Charles Augustus aged 4 years 4 months, 1840 Feb Albany.” Da Lee took great pride in painting details and in his use of color as seen in Lucia's red dress and black apron. Their delicately drawn faces, hair, and objects they hold are characteristic of his refined stylized work. Sight size 4½" x 2 7/8", 14" x 12" framed.

Attributed to Salmon Brewster, Curtis Corner, Leeds, Maine, circa 1830. This very graphic box simulates in painted decoration a paneled trunk with nine panels on each face outlined in black and red on a yellow ground, complete with a faux painted bail handle on the lid. 24" wide, 9¼" high, 11½" deep. Maine at its very best in untouched original condition.

American Antiques & Art

We have available, and wish to purchase American primitive paintings, furniture, textiles, folk art, and related accessories of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries

I will be in Sunapee, New Hampshire, until late August where I will have a representative selection of my inventory available. Please call me at 603-763-2403.